29 Questions
What is the main difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?
Descriptive statistics uses summary measures like mean and standard deviation, while inferential statistics leads to predictions or inferences about the entire dataset.
In a research study, what is a sample?
A subset or representative of the population from which information is collected
What is a census in the context of data collection?
A method of collecting data from the entire population
Which concept involves predicting or inferring about the entire dataset or future values?
Population and sample
What are the two main areas of inferential statistics?
Point estimation and hypothesis testing
Which statistic is NOT typically used in descriptive statistics?
Skewness
What is a parameter?
A numerical characteristic of a population
What is the main difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?
Descriptive statistics summarize the data in a sample, while inferential statistics generalize the findings to the whole population
What does measurement refer to?
The process of obtaining a value of a variable
How are qualitative variables defined?
Variables that cannot be measured by numerical values but can be categorized
In research, why is it important to distinguish the type of variable?
Because different types require different analysis
Which statement best describes a statistic?
A numerical characteristic of a sample
Which type of variable consists of values obtained by counting and can assume only a finite or countable number of values?
Discrete
What is an example of a continuous variable?
Length of ropes (in meters) used by mountain climbers
What type of measurement scale classifies a variable into two or more categories, such as race or gender?
Nominal
Why do continuous data need to be measured and rounded off?
Due to the limits of measuring devices
Which variable is daily tonnage produced by a mining company an example of?
Continuous
Which measurement scale classifies a variable according to rank or order of categories?
Ordinal
In which measurement scale is a zero value arbitrary and does not reflect the absence of an attribute?
Interval
Which scale permits all mathematical operations with its measurements?
Ratio
Which measurement scale has equal units but an arbitrary zero value?
Interval
Which scale represents the highest level of measurement precision?
Ratio
Which scale is used to measure attributes like volume, height, and weight?
Ratio
Which term refers to using data to summarize and describe characteristics of a dataset?
Descriptive Statistics
Which type of variable can take on an infinite number of values within a given range?
Continuous Variable
Which measurement scale would 'Height in centimeters' fall under?
Ratio
Which variable classification includes the categories 'short, average, tall'?
Ordinal
What type of statistics involves making predictions or inferences about a population based on sample data?
Inferential Statistics
'Satisfaction on a certain government health program' classified as 'very much satisfied, much satisfied...' represents which type of variable?
Qualitative Variable
Study Notes
Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- Descriptive statistics involves collecting, describing, and analyzing a set of data without drawing conclusions about a larger group.
- Inferential statistics involves making predictions or inferences about the entire set of data or forecasting future values.
- Inferential statistics has three main areas: estimation, hypothesis testing, and prediction.
Population and Sample
- A population is a collection of all elements under consideration in a research study.
- A sample is a subset or representative of the population from which information is collected.
- A census involves collecting data from the entire population, which is often difficult or impossible to conduct.
- A survey involves collecting data from a sample.
Parameters and Statistics
- A parameter is a numerical characteristic of a population.
- A statistic is a numerical characteristic of a sample.
- Parameters are estimated from the statistics measured in the sample.
Variables and Measurement
- A variable is a characteristic or attribute that is observable or measurable on every individual or subject of study.
- Measurement is the process of obtaining a value of a variable.
- There are two main types of variables: qualitative and quantitative.
Types of Variables
- Qualitative variables have characteristics that cannot be measured by numerical values but can be categorized into two or more categories.
- Quantitative variables have values that can be counted or measured with the use of measuring devices or through mathematical formula.
- Quantitative variables can be further classified into discrete and continuous variables.
Scales of Measurement
- There are four levels of measurement scales: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.
- Nominal scale classifies a variable into two or more categories.
- Ordinal scale classifies a variable according to rank or order of categories.
- Interval scale has the properties of the ordinal scale where categories are broken down on a scale of equal units.
- Ratio scale has the properties of an interval scale but with a zero value indicating the absence of an attribute.
Learn about the differences between descriptive and inferential statistics, including the methods, measures, and purposes they serve in research. Explore how summary measures like mean, standard deviation, percentages, and skewness are used in quantitative research for description, while inferential statistics focus on making predictions and inferences based on data analysis.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
